The Godkins

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The Godkinz, a talented group of three brothers of Samoan heritage, is reflecting their faith and family on the release of their extraordinary self-titled urban mix debut.

You might say that the Godkinz was born to represent. Not just because the three gifted brothers have a passion to spread the message and love of God through music, and not just because together their sizzling urban positive sound is already impacting audiences on both coasts, but because Ishmael, Isaac, and Israel were born into the Godkin family. That's right. Godkin is the family name, and a very fitting one at that.

They have made their mark nationally as well as locally, winning the prestigious San Diego Gospel Music Award Artist of the Year in 2006, and touring with The Katinas on both coasts this summer. Their full blend of tight harmonies, infectious beats, and hook-rich songs is described as ‘R-Hop’ by drummer Isaac, a mix of R&B, hip-hop with a sacred urban spin. Think Mint Condition meets Boyz 11 Men with a young, edgy appeal.

The album’s first up-tempo single, “Tilt ya Hat,” kicks the party off with all the energy of their concert performances, and the sizzle never stops, from the Reggaeton bounce and power lyrics of “Desire,” to the smooth R&B flava of “Call Me.” The empowering lyrical message is balm to troubled and confused souls of any age, but especially cutting into the hearts of youth, exactly who the Godkin brothers most hope to reach.

Keyboardist Ishmael shares a bit of the rich family history. “Our parents were married for two years and trying desperately to conceive, when my father, a preacher of a Samoan church, promised the Lord, ‘if you give me children, I will give them back to you for Your glory. They will share about Your goodness to the world through music, to encourage and uplift all in Your Name.” Today were seeing the fruits of that prayer lifted up so long ago,” he says, and his sincerity and gratitude are easily apparent. Ishmael, his identical twin Isaac, who plays drums, and their younger brother, bassist Israel, are truly living out that prayer of faith. “We are living proof that there is a GOD and He’s truly the reason why we live, sing, and Rock.” He grins.

The blessing of family, a gift strongly revered and cherished in their Samoan heritage is reflected in the airy opening and glimmering guitars of “Many Words,” and Ishmael’s poignant album closer, “Grandma Song,” is a sincere piano-driven tribute to their Grandma, who the album is dedicated to, an honor you know she would bear proudly.

Turn to the GODKINZ when you want to hear the unfiltered message of the Good News laid out in vibrant urban reality, it beats authentic and urgent, its love displayed proudly and without hesitation. Living out the prayers of their forefathers, the Godkin brothers continue to represent.

The eldest of the three brothers, born on August 1, 1984 in Tacoma, Washington, Ishmael is considered the group’s leader in more ways than one. On stage, he is the group’s musical director, taking his place at the keyboard and sharing the lead vocalist role with his twin brother. When speaking of Ishmael’s character, his brothers use the word, “productive,” “loyal,” and “humble.” The role he plays within the group is one he does not take lightly as he has earned the love and respect of his brothers who look to him for guidance both on and off the stage. “I’ve basically inherited the role of leadership only by default simply because I’m the oldest but for the most part we need each other to learn and to grow” Ishmael adds. A leader has to be strong, but I have also learned how significant it is to lean on my brothers, as well. When I share with them things that are affecting me, the weight is lifted. So it’s a blessing to have and see family operate the way it was meant to be.” When Ishmael is off the music scene, he loves to hang out with family and friends. In San Diego he attended college for several years as a full-time student taking general education and even some courses in Criminal Justice. He also likes to watch movies, and enjoys playing basketball in his free time. Living in southern California for quite some time, he has grown to love the authentic Mexican food there and among the entire different dishes he praises the ”pollo asado fries” (marinated chicken with fries) to be his most favorite.“ As I look back, God has done so many great things in my life that I would be real dumb to turn away from Him now; I mean, l have been truly blessed beyond measure. Though I’m not perfect, I’m still a work in progress and the more I get to know Him, the more I get closer; the more I get better,” says Ishmael. “And I’m not talking about religion but it’s a unique relationship with Jesus Christ. In Him you will find your identity, gifts, and purpose in life as I have found.” He now resides in Nashville, Tennessee pursuing his music career along with his brothers.

Isaac was also born on August 1, 1984 because he is twin brother to Ishmael. He is the second oldest in The Godkin “chain of command.” As the group’s drummer, Isaac plays a big part in creating the energy and excitement unleashed on stage when they perform. Always putting a smile on your face, Isaac’s outgoing personality and joyful spirit are what most
people remember about him. He also shares the lead vocal duties for the group - impressively playing the drums while singing – without any rhythmic flaws and keeping the song on beat. “I admit it wasn’t always as smooth. I’ve come a very long way, fighting my way through like the tempo suffereth violence and the violent taketh by force,” Isaac jokes. “But like everything else does, you know, it takes practice, discipline and passion.” When Isaac is not in the studio, he likes to run, play sports, and makes someone else’s day cheerful. Isaac also attended college in San Diego taking general classes and pursued courses in the recording and producing field, which has improved his creativity and composing skills. Relaxing at home and watching movies with relatives and friends on a sunny day is how he likes to spend his free time. He loves fashion and at times he plays the wardrobe stylist for his brothers in coordinating color and outfits before performance. And, of course, as a dedicated drummer, having drum-off sessions with his buddies to see who still “got the better chops.” Those who’ve come to know him used words like “motivating” “versatile” and “sociable” to describe his well-rounded being. Isaac says,“ At the end of a hard days’ work, I don’t care what part of the world they from, and what color their skin is; all anybody wants to do is laugh and have a good time because the Joy of the Lord is our strength.” He currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his brothers as they continue to produce music.

Israel is the youngest member of “The Godkin” born on March 6, 1986 in Tacoma, WA. As the bass player, he also adds his vocals to the tight harmonies that make up their distinctive, soulful sounds. His brothers joke about the fact that he is the “gentle giant” and they describe him as the peaceful, courageous, and strong brother in the group. Just like his other brothers, Israel also attended college and even played football on his school’s team as a linebacker and strong safety. When not on stage or on a field running football drills, he likes to eat, sleep, and work out, lifting heavy weights. “I like to work out here and there, but most of the muscle is natural,” Israel says smiling. During his free time he enjoys playing videos games especially on playstation, among his favorites; the ESPN/Madden football games reign supreme at the top of the list. His brothers have claimed that his character and personality has grown since childhood from being very meek, passive, and modest – to being quite the comical, approachable kind of guy once you get to know him. Mostly respected, loved and appreciated by many. He is cherished for the way he carries himself as being mature and responsible, though mistaken for being the oldest at times as he may appear, he is still considered by his loved ones the baby in the family and given the name baby in Samoan as you may hear him being called upon by his older brothers. “I’m grateful to have brothers who are inspiring and always motivating me. I also thank God for a mom and dad who taught us to pray and to love one another not only in good times but also in rough times- when it counts the most.” Israel stresses the importance of family and expressed how he misses his father and mother who have since moved to the south pacific islands of Samoa, about 2600 miles south of Hawaii, to began their evangelic outreaches in the different villages. Israel, along with his brothers, lives in the city of Nashville, a place where it has become a major music recording and production center. He hopes to utilize these opportunities with his brothers so that they would make an impact in this world just as their parents had prayed for over their lives since they were infants.